I love her interactions with Okami they have the kind of banter-filled relationship I want to read about. Mariko is strong-willed, fights for females and is just outrageously witty.

But it soon came flooding back! I just love these characters. I couldn't remember all of the names of characters and which clan each person belonged to. If I'm entirely honest, I should have re-read Flame in the Mist before starting this second book. But Smoke in the Sun has magic, and then some! The only thing missing was a bit more of that sprinkling of magic we were given. Gripping, exciting with a likeable romance and a strong female lead. I adored Flame in the Mist it was quite possibly the best book I read that year actually. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.

With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist - an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice - to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor’s ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead.

The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist – an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the DawnĪfter Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice – to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle.

Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh